Not that I really need to defend Kreider more but the last thing he is is one dimensional. He plays every situation and all 3 zones well at ES (
@Machinehead posted the charts earlier). He scores all his goals on deflections and tap in's but pacing as a 30 goal scorer as he enters his 30s I dont really care how they go in.
But I digress. The team desperately needs a new coach that won't defer to the veterans like Gallant does. He's like the anti-Quinn in that he lets them do whatever they want and DQ tried to control everything but didn't have the experience or respect of the players for them to actually listen. If the new coach comes in and nothing changes, Drury & The Dark Lord Sather are going to push Panarin out this offseason. The seeds were planted last summer when Drury was upset with his play in the postseason (valid criticism) and they sent his BFF packing.
Ive been critical of the Kids and they have not been great, but you cant give up on 21-22 year old's if you're the Rangers. I keep harping on it, but 11.6 for this version of Panarin is something no team can win with. When was the last time we said he was the best player for us in a game? He plays with Chytil and Kakko and they change their game to get the puck to him and it dies on his stick. The powerplay is so predictable because he NEVER shoots (and where would his point totals be last year if Kreider wasnt white hot with deflections? I assume theyd look a lot like this years numbers). Something really needs to change soon or the season will go down the tubes and the finger will (and should) be pointed at the highest paid player on the team having his 3rd straight "nothing special" year.
